OIC plans media observatory to report progress

The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, the collective voice of 57 Muslim countries, is planning a media observatory, that will report progress being made in women's empowerment in member countries, and a guide on the best practices for empowering women in the media industry, according to a decision made by the information ministers of OIC members during their 11th meeting, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 21st and 22nd December.

Through special reports and news stories, the observatory seeks to highlight the presence of women in the media industry and project their achievements and status in Islam, said Maha Akeel, Director of the information department at OIC.

The guide seeks to highlight discrimination women face due to terrorism, she added.

Consultations inside the organisation are underway to also create a media award for women and provide financial support to media organisations run by women, Akeel said.

During their Jeddah meeting, the OIC information ministers agreed on a new media strategy for fighting terrorism and encouraging all OIC members to denounce any media outlets that espouse and promote terrorism.

The strategy also aims to attract the media, social media in particular, in OIC members to join efforts to stifle the spread of terrorism by projecting the genuine image of Islam as a a faith upholding harmony.